computer brand advice

[Azure Trance]

I have a dell, and until I get enough money to get a new computer I'm modding this one to death (80GB HD, 120GB HD, GeForce3Ti200 - only cause it's an 800MHZ w/ no appreciable gain in FPS, CD-RW that can overburn ...)

When I feel the urge to save money and build a computer, I'm apprehensive about the fact I have no idea what's compatible with what. Yes, I know you need a case, motherboard, PSU, and fan(s), alongside all the 'normal' computer electronics, but will the motherboard fit? How many watts for the PSU? What type of fans? Will they all fit together? Recently, I've had problems getting my CDROM jumper settings to work so I'm not thrilled about the idea of creating my own masterpiece (though it turned out I didn't change it to slave - or was it master?)

 

[jdavis]

I have a dell, and until I get enough money to get a new computer I'm modding this one to death (80GB HD, 120GB HD, GeForce3Ti200 - only cause it's an 800MHZ w/ no appreciable gain in FPS, CD-RW that can overburn ...)

When I feel the urge to save money and build a computer, I'm apprehensive about the fact I have no idea what's compatible with what. Yes, I know you need a case, motherboard, PSU, and fan(s), alongside all the 'normal' computer electronics, but will the motherboard fit? How many watts for the PSU? What type of fans? Will they all fit together? Recently, I've had problems getting my CDROM jumper settings to work so I'm not thrilled about the idea of creating my own masterpiece (though it turned out I didn't change it to slave - or was it master?)

It just takes a little reading up and some patience, once you figure out what you are doing building a PC is no harder than building with Lego's.

How to build a PC
http://www6.tomshardware.com/howto/20020904/index.html

Part two (step by step)
http://www6.tomshardware.com/howto/20020918/index.html

Building for stability
http://www6.tomshardware.com/howto/20021102/index.html

The March 2003 Computer shopper has a article on buying the right parts to build your own PC and Maximum PC regularly does How to articles too.